Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the slack adjusters?
What are the slack adjusters?
Help the brakes stop the vehicle.
How can you check slack adjusters?
How can you check slack adjusters?
Release the parking brake and pull hard on each adjuster; if one moves more than an inch, it probably needs adjusted.
How can you test the low pressure warning signal?
How can you test the low pressure warning signal?
Turn the electrical power on and step on and off the brake pedal to reduce air tank pressure; the low air pressure warning signal must come on before the pressure drops to less than 60 psi.
How can you check that the spring brakes come on automatically?
How can you check that the spring brakes come on automatically?
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What are the maximum leakage rates?
What are the maximum leakage rates?
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What factors can cause brakes to fade or fail?
What factors can cause brakes to fade or fail?
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The use of brakes on a long, steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.
The use of brakes on a long, steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.
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If you are away from your vehicle only a short time, you do not need to use the parking brake.
If you are away from your vehicle only a short time, you do not need to use the parking brake.
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How often should you drain the air tanks?
How often should you drain the air tanks?
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How do you brake when you drive a tractor-trailer combination with ABS?
How do you brake when you drive a tractor-trailer combination with ABS?
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You still have normal brake functions if your ABS is not working.
You still have normal brake functions if your ABS is not working.
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What two things are important to prevent rollover?
What two things are important to prevent rollover?
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When you turn suddenly while pulling doubles, which trailer is most likely to turn over?
When you turn suddenly while pulling doubles, which trailer is most likely to turn over?
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Why should you not use the trailer hand brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer?
Why should you not use the trailer hand brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer?
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What is offtracking?
What is offtracking?
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When you back a trailer, you should position your vehicle so you can back in a curved path to the driver's side.
When you back a trailer, you should position your vehicle so you can back in a curved path to the driver's side.
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What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
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What things should you check during a trip?
What things should you check during a trip?
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Name some key steering system parts.
Name some key steering system parts.
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Name some suspension system defects.
Name some suspension system defects.
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What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
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What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?
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Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walk around inspection.
Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walk around inspection.
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How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
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How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
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Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during inspection?
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during inspection?
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Why should you back toward the driver's side?
Why should you back toward the driver's side?
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If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
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When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
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What's the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?
What's the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?
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What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?
What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?
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When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
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Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.
Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.
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What are the two ways to know when to shift?
What are the two ways to know when to shift?
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How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
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What are two main things to look for ahead?
What are two main things to look for ahead?
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What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
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What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?
What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?
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Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
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What three things add up to total stopping distance?
What three things add up to total stopping distance?
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If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
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Empty trucks have the best braking.
Empty trucks have the best braking.
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What is hydroplaning?
What is hydroplaning?
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What is black ice?
What is black ice?
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How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
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If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?
If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?
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You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely.
You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely.
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If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.
If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.
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What is a hazard?
What is a hazard?
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Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
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What are some tips to follow so you won't become a distracted driver?
What are some tips to follow so you won't become a distracted driver?
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How do you use in-vehicle communications equipment cautiously?
How do you use in-vehicle communications equipment cautiously?
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How do you recognize a distracted driver?
How do you recognize a distracted driver?
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What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?
What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?
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What are some things that you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?
What are some things that you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?
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You should use low beams whenever you can.
You should use low beams whenever you can.
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What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?
What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?
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What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?
What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?
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You should let out air of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal.
You should let out air of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal.
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You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated.
You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated.
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What factors determine your selection of a safe speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?
What factors determine your selection of a safe speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?
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Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
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Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.
Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.
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What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad highway crossing?
What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad highway crossing?
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How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double track?
How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double track?
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Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency.
Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency.
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What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
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What is an escape ramp?
What is an escape ramp?
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If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.
If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.
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How do you know if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes?
How do you know if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes?
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What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with antilock brakes?
What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with antilock brakes?
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How do antilock brakes help you?
How do antilock brakes help you?
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What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?
What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?
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Name two causes of tire fires.
Name two causes of tire fires.
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What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher not good for?
What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher not good for?
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When using your extinguisher, should you get as close as possible to the fire?
When using your extinguisher, should you get as close as possible to the fire?
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Name some causes of vehicle fires.
Name some causes of vehicle fires.
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Common medicines for colds can make you sleepy.
Common medicines for colds can make you sleepy.
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What should you do if you become sleepy while driving?
What should you do if you become sleepy while driving?
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Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up.
Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up.
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What is a hazardous materials placard?
What is a hazardous materials placard?
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Why are placards used?
Why are placards used?
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What is sleep debt?
What is sleep debt?
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What are the danger signals of drowsy driving?
What are the danger signals of drowsy driving?
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What four things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?
What four things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?
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How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?
How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?
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How is gross combination weight rating different from gross combination rate?
How is gross combination weight rating different from gross combination rate?
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Name two situations where legal maximum weights may not be safe.
Name two situations where legal maximum weights may not be safe.
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What can happen if you don't have enough weight on the front axle?
What can happen if you don't have enough weight on the front axle?
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What is the minimum number of tie-downs for a 20-foot load?
What is the minimum number of tie-downs for a 20-foot load?
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What is the minimum number of tie-downs for any flat bed?
What is the minimum number of tie-downs for any flat bed?
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Name the two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed.
Name the two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed.
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What must you check before transporting a sealed load?
What must you check before transporting a sealed load?
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Why must air tanks be drained?
Why must air tanks be drained?
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What is a supply pressure gauge used for?
What is a supply pressure gauge used for?
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All vehicles with air brakes must have a low air pressure warning signal.
All vehicles with air brakes must have a low air pressure warning signal.
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What are spring brakes?
What are spring brakes?
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Front wheel brakes are good under all conditions.
Front wheel brakes are good under all conditions.
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How do you know if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes?
How do you know if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes?
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What is a dual air brake system?
What is a dual air brake system?
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Study Notes
Vehicle Inspection and Safety
- Vehicle inspections are crucial for the safety of the driver and other road users.
- During a trip, check gauges, tires, brakes, lights, trailer connections, cargo securement, and coupling devices.
- Key steering system components include the steering wheel, tie rod, steering shaft, power steering cylinder, and gear box.
Suspension and Emergency Equipment
- Common suspension system defects include cracked spring hangers, broken springs, and leaking shock absorbers.
- Carry essential emergency equipment: fire extinguisher(s), spare electrical fuses, and warning devices for parked vehicles.
Tire Regulations
- Minimum tread depth: 4/32-inch for front tires, 2/32-inch for other tires.
- Examine the front of the vehicle for axle condition, steering system integrity, windshield cleanliness, and lights functionality.
Hazard Awareness and Road Management
- Carry three red reflective triangles for roadside emergencies.
- Test hydraulic brakes for leaks by pumping the pedal and holding pressure to ensure it does not move.
Driving Techniques and Challenges
- Keep the starter switch key with you during inspections to prevent unauthorized movement of the vehicle.
- When backing up, always try to see from the driver’s side to have a better view.
- Use a helper to navigate blind spots while reversing.
Shift and Speed Management
- Downshift before going down hills and entering curves; automatic transmissions should downshift on downhill grades.
- Engine speed (rpm) and road speed (mph) are indicators for shifting gears.
- Look 12-15 seconds ahead while driving; assess traffic and road conditions.
Communication and Reflectors
- "Communicating" while driving involves signaling intentions through lights and horn.
- When stopped on a divided highway, place reflectors at designated distances to warn oncoming traffic.
Stopping Distance and Emergency Situations
- Total stopping distance consists of perception, reaction, and braking distances; speed significantly affects stopping distance.
- Empty trucks require longer stopping distances due to reduced traction; hydroplaning can occur on wet surfaces.
Driving in Various Conditions
- Black ice forms a thin, clear ice layer on road surfaces, posing a hazard.
- Maintain at least 1 second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length; adjust accordingly for speed.
Driver Awareness and Distraction
- Look out for aggressive drivers; avoid confrontation and report their behaviors to authorities if necessary.
- Avoid distractions while driving by pre-setting radios, adjusting mirrors, and not using electronics while on the road.
Vehicle Maintenance and Safety Checks
- Inspect tires, brakes, and undercarriage regularly to prevent overheating or brake failure from wet conditions.
- Ensure cargo is secure and correctly balanced; conduct cargo inspections after certain distances and breaks.
Brake Systems and Operation
- Dual air brake systems consist of separate systems for front and rear axles; antilock brakes help maintain traction.
- Regularly inspect slack adjusters and ensure low air pressure warnings are functional.
Emergency Responses
- Successful navigation of obstacles sometimes requires steering right instead of left to avoid potential collisions.
- Escape ramps provide a safe stop for vehicles facing loss of control on declines; recognize your vehicle's unique stopping needs.
Fire Prevention and Drowsy Driving
- Be mindful of potential causes of vehicle fires, such as electrical system failures and improper fueling.
- Sleep-deprived drivers should take preventive measures by getting proper rest before driving and being aware of signs of drowsiness.
Hazardous Materials and Placarding
- Compliance with hazardous material regulations includes displaying proper placards on vehicle exteriors.
- Hazardous materials require labeling to alert other road users of potential dangers posed by the cargo.
General Safe Driving Practices
- Maintain control by using brakes efficiently and understanding that brake fade can occur under excessive use.
- Always use the parking brake when away from a vehicle, regardless of the duration of the absence.### Rollover Prevention
- To prevent rollover, keep cargo close to the ground and drive slowly around turns.
Turning with Doubles
- When turning suddenly while pulling doubles, the rear trailer is most susceptible to tipping over.
Jackknifing Recovery
- Using the trailer hand brake to correct a jackknifing trailer is ineffective because it controls the brakes that initiated the skid.
Offtracking Explained
- Offtracking occurs when a vehicle turns; the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels, potentially leading to misalignment.
Trailer Backing Technique
- It is true that when backing a trailer, positioning the vehicle to back in a curved path towards the driver's side is recommended for better control.
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Description
Test your knowledge on vehicle inspection and safety practices. This quiz covers essential topics such as inspection checks, suspension systems, tire regulations, and emergency equipment. Ensure you understand the critical components for safe driving.